City Waste Research Articles

Can “ Zero waste city” policy promote green technology? Evidence from econometrics and machine learning

The promotion of green technology innovation (GTI) is regarded as an effective way to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development. The “Zero waste city” construction pilot policy (ZWCP), is an important policy for the promotion of waste management, and the achievement of sustainable development and circular economy. The paper explores the effect of ZWCP on GTI using the difference-in-differences model and machine learning. The result shows that ZWCP significantly promotes GTI. In addition, causal forest modeling, a type of machine learning method, similarly validates this result. The mechanism effect suggests that ZWCP promotes GTI by increasing research expenditure and enhancing informational development. The heterogeneity effect suggests that ZWCP is more powerful in promoting GTI when it is implemented in western, low administrative level, and resource-based cities. The paper provides a reference for waste management policies and development of GTI in other countries.

Integrated approach of waste analysis and life cycle assessment for the management of non-recyclable plastics in recycling shops

The unbound usage of plastic products in modern society has brought convenience and poses significant environmental challenges. Recycling Shops (RS) are vital in mitigating plastic waste problems in urban waste management. During the recycling process, RS generates non-recyclable plastics that demand scientific solutions for its management. This study conducted material flow analysis (MFA) to estimate the yearly recycled plastic waste in the RSs of Khulna City. Subsequently, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to explore the suitable management facilities for non-recyclable plastics. The results highlighted the contribution of the informal plastic recycling sector to the city's waste management system by recycling 6324 tons of plastic waste per year. Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) were the most abundant polymers among the recycling plastics in RS. The LCA results revealed that among the five considered cases, Open Burning showed the maximum impact on the environment while Sanitary Landfill exhibited the lowest environmental impact across eighteen impact categories. The sanitary landfilling of non-recyclable plastics was identified as an environmentally friendly approach for managing non-recyclable plastics. This study addressed the urgency for appropriately managing non-recyclable plastics to protect the human and environment from plastic pollution in Bangladesh including recommendations for improving current practices.

Analysis of Samarinda City Waste Generation and Management towards a Sustainable City

Samarinda City, as the capital of East Kalimantan, has experienced a significant increase in waste generation in line with population growth and economic activity. This gives rise to various environmental and public health problems. This case study aims to analyze waste generation in Samarinda City and evaluate the existing waste management system in Samarinda City. The research method used is a case study. The research location is Samarinda City, East Kalimantan. Data collection techniques include literature studies, visits to the Samarinda City Environmental Service for field observations, interviews with stakeholders. The data analysis technique used is SWOT Analysis. Waste management in Samarinda City needs to be improved to achieve a sustainable city. Educational efforts, community participation and the development of an integrated waste management system are the main keys in overcoming the waste problem in Samarinda City.

The Smart City Waste Classification Management System

In response to the growing demands of urbanization, our research presents a pioneering Smart City Waste Classification Management System utilizing advanced computer vision techniques for efficient and accurate waste sorting. This system integrates the innovative CT-Net algorithm, which synergizes the strengths of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Transformer architectures to tackle the complex challenges posed by varied and unpredictable urban waste characteristics. Extensive evaluations on multiple datasets, including the proprietary Huawei Cloud waste dataset, demonstrate that our model significantly outperforms existing methodologies in terms of precision, robustness, and processing speed. By deploying this technology within urban waste management frameworks, cities can achieve remarkable improvements in sustainability and operational efficiency.

Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil

Aim: Under intensive farming system, use of high analysis fertilizers with rare use of organic manures, depleted the organic carbon status in the soil leads to decrease in productivity though applying improved technologies. After N, P, K fourth major nutrient now days considered as S (Sulphur) which play important role in oilseed and pulse crop productivity and its application with organics to soil found beneficial. Considering this, the proposed research as “Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil.” was carried out with five organic amendments having different quality and maturity parameters which showed the significant results with yield and quality of Kharif groundnut. Study Design: Randomized Block design with seven treatments and four replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The field research trial was conducted during Kharif 2019 at Post Graduate Farm, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: As per the treatments details, the five organic amendments viz: FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost were incubated with 40 kg ha-1 elemental Sulphur for 30 days prior to application in field plots. The treatment wise incubated organic amendments and RDF applied to groundnut crop. The initial soil analysis, initial and after incubation, the characteristics and quality and maturity parameters of five organic amendments were analyzed by using standard methods. The growth observations and post-harvest observation of groundnut crop were recorded and data were analyzed statistically. Results: The application of different organic amendments incubated with elemental Sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 namely FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost along with RDF to Kharif groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol soil, significantly improved yield contributing characters, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared to absolute control and RDF. Amongst the different organic amendments, application of good quality and maturity poultry manure and vermicompost found significantly superior over rest of organic amendments incubated with Sulphur for improving the growth, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared rest of organic amendments.

A novel framework for waste management in smart city transformation with industry 4.0 technologies

Most of the developed and developing nations focus on the transformation of city livelihood through the development of smart cities. Waste management in smart cities is a critical concern for policymakers and smart city administration. The fourth industrial transformation (hereafter Industry 4.0) helps to improve waste management practices in smart cities to improve the sustainability of the city. This paper tries to develop a roadmap for industry 4.0 technologies relevant to managing waste in smart cities. This paper proposes a novel framework for analyzing the deployment enablers of Industry 4.0 technologies, implementation barriers, current best practices, and opportunities for digital technologies (EBPO) for smart city transformation. The proposed EBPO conceptual framework is analyzed in the context of studies conducted in developed and developing countries. The EBPO presents the unique linkages among the technological advancements for managing waste in smart cities. The present research is an early attempt to explore the relevance of industry 4.0 technologies in the smart waste management context for improving environmental sustainability. The keyword and theme mapping analysis proposes three major waste management clusters in smart cities. This paper provides insight for improving EBPO elements for smart cities’ waste management. The policy and theoretical implications are presented for smart city stakeholders. The paper also highlights the different dimensions of the EBPO framework.

Anaerobic–Aerobic Treatment of Fruit and Vegetable Wastes and Municipal Wastewater

Waste management in large urban centers is one of the main challenges for public administration. Two of the most abundant wastes in cities are waste solid and municipal wastewater (MWW). Their management can be optimized if they are treated together. This work analyzed an anaerobic–aerobic system for the treatment of fruit and vegetable wastes (FVWs) and MWW. Firstly, FVWs were collected and characterized; once in the laboratory, they were placed in a tank with the MWW, aiming at transferring to the water those solids with a particle size below 105 µm; then, they were separated by sieving. The mixture of MWW and FVWs with a particle size below 105 µm was fed into an up-flow anaerobic sludge reactor (UASB); in the latter, dissolved and suspended organic matter was transformed into methane and carbon dioxide. The water that left the UASB was sent to be post-treated in an activated sludge reactor (ASR). The chemical oxygen demand (COD) was used as an evaluation parameter of the anaerobic–aerobic system; a removal efficiency higher than 80% was achieved, whereas it was 60% in the ASR. Another evaluation parameter was methane (CH4) productivity, with an average of 3.0 LCH4 L−1 d−1. VWF leaching achieved an average COD extraction of 7.68 kg∙m−3. The UASB efficiency was on average 70% for the assayed loads (2–8 kg COD·L−1·d−1). The energy potential calculated for the anaerobic–aerobic system was 510.2 kW∙h∙d−1

Influence of City Waste Manure and Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameter, Growth and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Inceptisols

Influence of City Waste Manure and Different Levels of Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health Parameter, Growth and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Inceptisols

Development of solid recovery fuel for power generation with bacterial bio-drying of municipal solid waste in Lombok Island West Nusa Tenggara

Abstract The growth of waste in big cities in Indonesia increases sharply every year. The Government’s ability to manage solid waste only reaches 40.09% in urban areas and 1.02% in rural areas, so the right policies are needed so that Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) does not save potential problems that will impact the future. The waste problem is no longer just a matter of cleanliness and the environment but has become a social problem that has the potential to cause conflict. The most likely solution to solving the MSW problem is to use it as a source of alternative fuel, which can be done by a mechanical-biological treatment technology into Solid Recovery Fuel (SRF). The proposed SRF processing method is straightforward and requires a little technology; thus, it could be developed at the community level. The MSW is collected and processed by communities and then sold to power plants or factories or used in communities to replace solid fuels such as wood or charcoal. Compared with the standard RDF and SRF specifications, MSW SRF falls under medium-grade Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or SRF specifications. Further comparison with coal, water hyacinth SRF, and sorghum shows that MSW SRF has several advantages, such as low fixed carbon, sulfur, and moisture, that could be beneficial for combustion performance, which concludes that MSW has potential and meet the specification as an alternative fuel for thermal power plant or other industry that utilizes thermal energy. This paper proposes a processing methodology for municipal solid waste into alternative energy. The method could guide local people in using biomass resources to improve local economic prosperity.

Waste Classification System using Smart Sensors

An innovative approach to revolutionize waste management through the integration of advanced sensor technology and intelligent algorithms is proposed. Effective waste segregation is crucial in addressing the current needs. The main objective is to develop an efficient waste segregation system using various sensors to segregate degradable, non-recyclable, bio-medical waste, and organic-waste. A MCU unit with various types of sensors is used for segregation. A DC motor with conveyor belt is used to transfer wastes to respective bins, while an I2C connector with an LCD display is used to indicate the types of waste and whether the bin is filled or not. This research holds the potential to significantly mitigate environmental degradation and contribute to building a cleaner and more sustainable future. Based on the system’s performance, it can be extended to automated smart city waste management, and the skimming of crude-oil from ocean water.

The impact of circular economy strategies on municipal waste management: A system dynamics approach

The low levels of reuse and recycling of solid waste in cities in developing countries can be attributed to decision-making processes with sub investment that do not consider waste streams, recovery capacities, and potential for recycling. This is due to a lack of understanding of the systemic structure of urban waste management.This article presents the development of a model of an urban waste management system that integrates decisions based on strategies that close cycles, belonging to the concept of a circular economy. These strategies aim to increase the potential use of organic waste, plastics, and glass.The model was built using the Systems Dynamics methodology, which allows obtaining mathematical models for the study and observation of trends and future scenarios of complex systems. The model is made up of three modules: health, financial, and circular economy. The strategies evaluated and compared in the simulation environment were: Economic incentives at the price of the material used; Increase in waste sorting capacity; Increase in the capacity to use waste.Methodologically, novel mathematical representations were achieved for the estimation of the useful life of sanitary landfills. Likewise, a mathematical formulation was found for the automatic evaluation of the efficiency in the capacity to use different wastes, which allows to know the need for investment or increase of capacity to use the type of waste evaluated.Using novel mathematical representations, this study achieved a methodological breakthrough in estimating the useful life of sanitary landfills and waste transformation efficiency. These representations also enable the automatic evaluation of how effectively different types of waste can be utilized. This information can then be used to determine the need for investment in, or expansion of, the capacity to handle specific waste types or to increase the overall waste collection capacity of the city.

Pathways to zero plastic waste in Chinese cities: Implications of different disposal options under the zero waste cities policy

The disposal of municipal plastic waste (MPW) is crucial to the sustainable development of cities. China generates a large amount of MPW and the disposal methods vary with the level of urban development. This study analyzed the MPW disposal transformation in six groups of China cities at different development level. The results show that landfill is still the main disposal method in the fourth and fifth tier cities, while incineration has become the dominant disposal method in the higher-tier cities. The speed of transforming from landfill to incineration is faster at the higher-tier cities except the first-tier cities due to the large population and limited land resources. Scenario analysis implies that landfill and interim storage MPW could reduce 25%–35% by enhancing incineration and 51%–57% by enhancing recycling. There is still a big potential for lower-tier cities to enhance its incineration capacity, yet improving the recycling should be a more sustainable pathway especially for higher-tier cities.

Building Eco-Friendly Cities: Government-Community Collaboration In Shaping Sustainable Urban Waste Management

The development of eco-friendly cities necessitates collaboration between the government and communities in shaping sustainable urban waste management. The issue of waste presents a significant challenge in efforts to enhance environmental quality and public health in urban areas. Well-managed waste not only reduces negative environmental impacts but also creates new economic opportunities. In this context, this research employs a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews and observation techniques to examine waste management in Ambon City. In-depth interviews were conducted with informants from the Ambon City Environmental and Waste Management Agency, while document studies were utilized to analyze information related to waste issues in the city. The findings indicate that collaboration between the government and communities is crucial for achieving success in waste management. Ambon City and its residents require joint efforts to address waste issues, particularly due to the low level of public awareness regarding government efforts in waste management. Increased community participation and full government support are necessary to achieve clean, healthy, and sustainable urban environments.

"Old Wine in a New Bottle" -- A Study on Consumer Acceptance of "Blind Leftovers Box"

The blind box of leftovers is an innovative catering marketing model. In recent years, this marketing model has been regarded as an effective measure to reduce food waste in Chinese cities and relieve the operating pressure of catering enterprises. This study uses the literature review method to search and sort out the practical experience of some enterprises in the blind leftover box business and reports on the blind leftover box; Then the questionnaire survey method is adopted to explore whether consumers accept the blind leftovers box. The purpose is to investigate the acceptance degree of consumers to the blind leftovers box and the factors affecting the acceptance degree and provide feasible suggestions for catering enterprises to adjust the relevant product marketing strategy in the future. Based on the results of the questionnaire survey, it is found that consumers who accept the blind leftover box generally think that the blind leftover box has the advantages of the novel form, high-cost performance, and food saving. Consumers who reject the blind leftover box are concerned about the reasonable value and food safety of the blind leftover box. The research shows that relevant catering enterprises should strengthen the publicity of blind leftover boxes, and carry out differentiated marketing for people of different ages and different consumption levels.

Awareness and Behavior of Residents on the Classification of Household Solid Waste in Trungmon, Vietnam

The classification of household solid waste (CHSW) in rural areas and areas beginning to urbanize in developing countries is very important. This not only helps reduce environmental pollution but also helps recycle and utilize resources effectively, while creating a healthy and sustainable living environment for the community. The pressure from household solid waste in large cities is an alarming signal that it is necessary to classify household solid waste in rural areas as soon as the urbanization process begins to accelerate strongly. Clearly, research to survey people's awareness and behavior about CHSW in Trung Mon commune, Yen Son district, Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam using sociological survey method through questionnaires is imperative. The findings revealed that residents have a good awareness of the CHSW policy and the majority consider classification necessary. Noticeably, attention is needed on encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly products and increasing education to reinforce awareness and positive habits in waste management to better CHSW practices. By building upon existing research and addressing the unique context of the study area, this research endeavors to provide insights and recommendations for enhancing CHSW practices in similar settings globally.

Conjoint analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in urban system: A case study of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) metabolism is becoming an increasingly complex process during urbanization due to increasing rates of consumption and emission worldwide. Understanding the urban N and P metabolism helps identifying production capacity, consumption demand, and the impact of N and P emissions on the environment, providing a scientific basis for decision‐making in sustainable utilization of N and P resources. Quantifying and mapping the source, path, and sinks of N and P in an urban system is the premise of controlling emissions. In this paper, we used the substance flow analysis (SFA) method to describe the N and P metabolism processes in the urban system of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) in 2017, and used the scenario‐based analysis method to understand the impact of different N and P metabolisms on potentially recoverable N and P sources by 2030. The results showed that the urban system of Dar es Salaam receives a total input flow of 28,101.8 tN/year and 3,379 tP/year, with a total output flow of 18,859.6 tN/year and 1,849.3 tP/year with net stock changes of 9,242.2 t/year for N and 1,529.7 t/year for P, respectively. We noticed that increased human activities largely represented the city's waste released after the household consumption, and would become the main causes of N and P emissions. In addition to this, 59.38%, 31.25%, and 9.38% of N flow quantification quality were at high, medium, and low levels, respectively, while 74.07%, 11.11%, and 14.81% of P flow quantification quality were at high, medium, and low levels, respectively. Our results suggest that implementing integrated nutrient management measures, such as changes in people's diets and the use of washing products, and improved management and technologies of manure, sewage, and landfill leachate treatment, would be the most effective approach to resolve the urban nutrient emissions in Dar es Salaam.

How Indonesia’s Cities Are Grappling with Plastic Waste: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management

In Indonesia, plastic constitutes the second largest component of municipal solid waste; however, 58% remains uncollected. Most plastic recycling depends on informal sectors, accounting for only 10% of the total, leaving the remainder to potentially harm the environment. This paper analyzes how cities in Indonesia have tackled their plastic waste problems from the perspective of the integrated sustainable waste management framework. This study focuses on plastic waste management (PWM) in three cities: Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang. Data were collected from 41 semi-structured interviews, a plastic waste composition data analysis, and site visits. The research outcomes include a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder roles, plastic waste flow, plastic waste composition data, and various challenges in PWM. This study identifies three main stakeholders in collecting plastic wastes: the Department of Environment as the main local government body, community-based waste banks, and private waste management companies. Most recyclable plastic waste is recovered through waste banks and private collection services. In 2022, the predominant types of plastic waste in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang City were soft plastics, thick plastics, and hard plastics, respectively. The challenges for the PWM stem from various aspects in political, legal, and institutional; environmental; financial and technical; and socio-cultural spheres. Positive trends towards an integrated system are observed, although full integration has not yet been achieved. The research recommends a multi-stakeholder cooperative approach involving municipal authorities, waste banks, and private collectors, responsive to local conditions and emphasizing sustainability aspects throughout waste management stages for a sustainable resource recycling in developing countries.

IOT BASED SMART DUSTBIN AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Dustbins are used for disposing the waste. When it gets overflowed, people throw the waste outside the dustbin until the garbage collector clears the dustbin.It makes the place surrounded by mosquitoes, bugs etc., and mainly affects the environment and creates several unhygienic problems. To overcome this problem, we have proposed a system called “Smart City Waste Management System using IOT’ to manage the waste. The sensors are placed on the top of normal garbage bins to measure the amount of trash and find the formation of any toxic gases. These measures make the sensors send the notifications in form of messages to waste management board. Keywords: Internet Of Things (IOT), Automatic Dustbin, Sensor Networks, Wireless Communication.

SiSMA‐SWMS: Signature‐based Secure Monitoring Approach for Smart Waste Monitoring Systems

AbstractWith the speedy growth of the populace, corresponding waste also grows, notably raising greater concern about the monitoring of waste in urban areas. Although the traditional method of waste monitoring has benefited city waste management systems, it remains time‐consuming, inefficient, and detrimental to public health. This situation can be improved by integrating advanced technologies, which can significantly enhance the flexibility and performance of waste monitoring systems. However, these advanced technologies encounter numerous security challenges. In this article, we have implemented a signature‐based monitoring approach to oversee the status of smart bins. To ensure the security, robustness, and reliability of the introduced protocol, we utilized tools such as AVISPA, Scyther, the ROR model, and Mao and Boyd logic. As discussed in the informal security analysis, the introduced protocol successfully fulfills the security requirements for smart waste monitoring systems. Finally, an in‐depth comparative analysis of the related works and the introduced protocol shows that the latter provides greater security, reliability, and efficiency. As a result, the reliability and hardness of the cryptographic operations used in the introduced protocol make it secure enough to use in real‐world applications.

Inter-observer reliability in transect-based observations of environmental waste in greater accra and kisumu: implications for waste management

Transect surveys are widely used to quantify mismanaged plastic waste discarded to the environment. However, very few studies have quantified inter-observer reliability in environmental waste surveys. The aim of this study was to assess inter-observer reliability for a set of environmental waste indicators derived from transect surveys in slum areas of two sub-Saharan African cities. Pairs of observers independently recorded counts of scattered waste items, large waste piles, and burnt waste along 64 environmental transects in Kisumu, Kenya, and Greater Accra, Ghana. Concordance correlation coefficients were used to measure inter-observer reliability for derived indicators measuring mismanaged waste density, waste composition, waste origins of policy concern, and waste disposal practices. Evidence across all observers consistently showed that single-use disposable diapers, discarded Personal Protective Equipment, and bagged or bottled water are locally important constituents of mismanaged waste in both cities that should be addressed through urban waste management strategies. In both cities, there was generally excellent inter-observer reliability for density of burnt waste and density of large waste piles (concordance correlation coefficient > 0.9 for all but one observer pair), but weak to moderate inter-observer reliability for scattered waste density and densities of specific waste items such as disposable nappies and discarded Personal Protective Equipment. Our study shows that beach litter survey protocols can be adapted for use in slums. However, to generate robust estimates of scattered waste, its composition, and waste origins of policy concern in slums, assessment of inter-observer reliability should be incorporated into field team training.